Exercise 12 muscles at once!

It takes 12 muscles to smile. A doctor was recently paid to put a long running myth to the test. (It only takes 11 muscles to frown and 2 to fake a smile, since I'm certain you wanted to know) The New York Times and Washington Post both had it wrong in recent articles, but they maintain my respect nonetheless.

So, knowing those life changing factoids, get into a healthier lifestyle and exercise those 12 muscles even if you exercise no others. It'll be a step in the healthy direction for you, and any others that notice your exercise. If you're feelin lazy, at least use those 2 that fake it. (fyi - it's only 2 since the eyes don't "smile" when you fake it)

Speaking of smiles, a few musings that recently ran through my head...in case you don't know the author well, I'm the type that can focus better on one thing while I'm also pondering on something else, sometimes entirely different. Yes, this does mean I'm typically dividing my attention when conversing, writing, reading. Sorry, but just think - it's actually keeping me from missing anything in the conversation. Ok, back to the musings that I likely had while talking to you or you or you...

Now here's something I noticed recently in a spot of the world where appearance and personal presentation are everything, Los Angeles- Carrying a baby makes you a universally awesome person, seemingly removing aggression from anyone's greeting/glance/mannerism. I was carrying a 9 month around a bunch on a recent week, and felt like I was handing out $100 notes...even the most fringe de fringe tough guy players out there were breakin a smile. Great to see that kind of thing still exists in the world - something that shows the inherent goodness of people that is often locked away. That, or perhaps they were just getting some exercise.

You've likely noticed that tightening-of-the-lips smile that people throw on anytime they need a "sorry about that", or "hello, I'm actually nice, don't worry about me" expression. Rarely is this smile accompanied by any words. How did this get started? I find it amusing how this again crosses so many cultural divisions.

Last smiley thing I made a note of recently - Count how many people make you smile the second you see them or hear their voice (or read their blog), be it based on love, humor, friendship, whatever. Isn't it awesome when you smile just in seeing someone else. I call it the WR factor. Anyway, I really hope that's a large number for you, my reader, and if not, focus your eyes on me as I'm often embarrassing myself in a hilarious way, so you'll be smiling often.